☕ Piña Colada Macchiatos? The Bean Battle is back!

If your group chat is already asking “what’s the plan for Mother’s Day,” you are not alone. Reservations are filling, events are stacking up, and somehow the best ideas always come together last minute.

This week’s lineup makes it easier: thinking brunch, a show, or something a little different? There is also a lot happening behind the scenes in our schools that is worth paying attention to. Time for fun and meaningful to sit side by side! 😉

☕ A brew-tiful way to give back: Bean Battle is on!

The Gist: Eight local coffee shops, including Queen City Bakery and Tea’s Zooks Coffee Bar, are competing in the 2026 Sioux Empire Bean Battle throughout May. Each shop has a signature drink, like the S'mores Crème Cold Brew at Scooter’s or a Piña Colada Tiramisu Macchiato at Dunn Brothers. Buying a drink and voting for your favorite helps The Community Outreach raise funds for homelessness prevention.

Why It Matters: This is a low-stakes way to tackle a high-stakes problem in Sioux Falls. By trying a new latte, you’re helping director Brent Eliason and his team keep local families in their homes. It’s a great excuse to explore new shops while supporting neighbors who are facing housing instability.

🌱 Planting Seeds for Success: Mental Health Pilot Takes Root

The Gist: More than 125 students across five Sioux Falls schools have already accessed vital support through the Rooted in Schools pilot program since its launch in late 2025. On May 4, 2026, leaders from the Sioux Falls School District and Avera Health met at Terry Redlin Elementary to report a 14% increase in attendance among participating students. The three-year pilot currently embeds licensed therapists at Washington High, Whittier Middle, and Cleveland, Terry Redlin, and Rosa Parks elementary schools.

Why It Matters: This program removes the common barriers of transportation and cost by bringing professional care directly into the familiar environment of the school day. By providing services to everyone from high schoolers to elementary students, the community is ensuring that mental health is treated as a foundation for learning rather than an afterthought.

🥘 Syrian flavors and a celebrated Saturday tradition

Skip the Sunday chaos and take Mom to Sanaa's 8th Street Gourmet’s Saturday lunch buffet! Two-time James Beard semifinalist Sanaa Abourezk serves a scratch-made Mediterranean spread that feels intentional and healing.

The menu is naturally inclusive (think vibrant tabbouli and smoked walnut burgers) where plant-based and gluten-free dishes are the stars, not afterthoughts. It is simple, soulful food served with a side of kitchen dancing and a heart for local giving.

💐 Petals pulled from a downtown garden sanctuary

Bloom & Branch brings decades of regional expertise into a restored urban space, offering hand-tied arrangements like the Garden Confetti bouquet that feel personal rather than processed.

They hold a quiet local secret for anyone moving past the grocery store floral aisle!

Their current collection includes the whimsical Butterfly Garden set in a keepsake watering can. While the early preorder window closed, the shop remains stocked for walk-ins throughout the week.

Meet Franklin: A True Neighborhood Gentleman

He is a five-year-old Domestic Shorthair with a dignified air and a playful streak. At a lean nine pounds, this independent fellow enjoys patrolling the windows for wildlife and collecting hair ties like trophies.

Franklin is also social! Though he isn’t one for being carried, he is a champion at accepting chin scratches. He requires a steady urinary diet to stay healthy.

His adoption fee is $125 through Almost Home Canine Rescue, covering his vaccinations, microchip, and neuter.

To learn more about this handsome boy,

🎭 Spotlight Theatre: Seussical Jr. | Washington Pavilion | Sioux Falls | 5/9 | More
Cat in the Hat, and a cast of Sioux Falls kids bring the whole Dr. Seuss universe to SF!

🌸 Mother’s Day Celebration | The Nordic Hall | Sioux Falls | 5/9 | More 
Enjoy a mimosa bar, custom jewelry, and local artisan crafts in downtown.

🐾 Dog Mom's Day Event | Shop Dog Boutique | Sioux Falls | 5/9 | More 
Paint flower pots and snap photos with pups to benefit local animal rescue.

🌮 Community Mother's Day Fiesta | El Mexicano #7 | Sioux Falls | 5/10 | More Music, special giveaways, and authentic ingredients for a traditional family feast.

🎀 Mother's Day Brunch with Chef Lizzie Stewart | Plum's Cooking Company | Sioux Falls | 5/10 | More 
Two hours, elegant brunch dishes, $90 + tax. 11 a.m. start.

📚 Story Time | Child's Play Toys | Sioux Falls | 5/12 | More 
Free, all ages, a different new book every week. Our kind of weekday rhythm!

🎤 Cody Johnson Live '26 | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | Sioux Falls | 5/8 | More
Vocalist of the Year, on the back of "Travelin' Soldier" and his Carrie Underwood duet.

🕺 80s Dance Party | Bigs Bar Live | Sioux Falls | 05/09 | More 
Throwback hits and neon nostalgia with a vintage club atmosphere.

🌱 Minnehaha Master Gardeners Plant Sale | W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds | Sioux Falls | 05/09 | More 
Vegetables, perennials, and pollinators grown by gardening experts for your home.

🥂 Mother’s Day Brunch | Ironwood Steakhouse | Sioux Falls | 5/10 | More 
Indulgent à la carte menu served in a sophisticated riverfront setting.

🍽️ Mother's Day Family Dinner | HK | Sioux Falls | 05/10 | More 
Thoughtful menu pairing seasonal Alaskan halibut with curated fine wines.

🍷 Vanguard Mother's Day Dining | Minervas, Grille 26 & Morrie's | Sioux Falls | 05/10 | More 
Curated multi-course menus ranging from lemon ricotta pancakes to steakhouse fare.

🐊 Swamp Daddy's Night | Plum's Cooking Company | Sioux Falls | 5/11 | More 
A three-course Cajun tasting: spicy mango Gulf shrimp, crawfish couvillion, and more!

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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